Sahibzada Farhan open to continuing as Pakistan T20I captain after Asian Games

Sahibzada Farhan has indicated that he would be willing to continue as Pakistan’s T20 captain beyond the Asian Games, opening the possibility of a longer-term leadership role for the 30-year-old batter.

Farhan, who was appointed captain for Pakistan’s men’s cricket campaign at the Asian Games in Japan, said on Thursday that he would consider it a “proud moment” if he were given the opportunity to lead the national side in the future.

“If I get the opportunity, why not continue in the future as well?” Farhan said during a media talk on the sidelines of Pakistan’s pre-departure training camp at the National Bank Stadium.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has not publicly confirmed a permanent change in the T20 leadership. Head coach Mike Hesson said on Wednesday that Farhan’s appointment for the Asian Games was an opportunity for him to gain captaincy experience and that his future in the role would be a matter for the PCB and selection committee to decide later.

According to media reports, however, the PCB is believed to be considering Farhan as part of a longer-term T20 leadership plan, with the upcoming Asian Games campaign to be among the factors assessed before a decision is taken.

For now, Farhan was keen to keep the focus firmly on the assignment in Japan, where Pakistan enter the 10-team T20 competition at the quarter-final stage. Their first match is scheduled for Sept 28, with the semi-finals on Oct 1 and the medal matches on Oct 3.

“Right now, the entire focus is on the Asian Games,” Farhan said. “I cannot say anything about what happens afterwards because my entire focus is on this tournament. I have been made captain for the Asian Games, so that is where my attention is. We will see what happens later.”

Farhan’s elevation comes as Pakistan look to develop a younger T20 core. The squad contains four players yet to make their T20I debuts — Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood — while Abdul Samad has been named vice-captain.

Farhan, who has represented Pakistan in 46 T20Is, said he was confident in the group despite the relative inexperience of several players.

“Senior or junior does not matter. The players who perform are the ones who make the team,” he said. “As captain, I am confident because the players who succeed are the ones who are in form and come into the team after performing.”

The captain also played down the prospect of Pakistan becoming overly focused on a potential clash with India, saying the team would approach the tournament one match at a time.

“The India match comes later. Before that, we have other matches to play. It is not necessary for us to focus entirely on the India match,” he said.

Pakistan have also prepared specifically for the unfamiliar conditions expected in Japan, with Farhan saying the team had requested practice wickets that would replicate the anticipated slower conditions and had played scenario-based matches during their four-day Karachi camp.

The PCB had said the team would depart for Japan on Thursday night after completing its pre-departure camp in Karachi.

Farhan said the captaincy itself would not alter his approach.

“Whether I am captain or a player, I will have the same mindset and play according to what T20 cricket requires,” he said. “I expect the same from my players. They should play for the team and help Pakistan win matches.”